MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota-based Afterburner Autosport is very pleased to announce the addition of Timmy Megenbier to its 2012 driver line-up. The highly-rated Illinois racer joins forces with the series newcomers in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda focused on building on what was superb debut campaign as a privateer one year ago.

With an eye on challenging for top honors, as well as helping talented young racers develop into champions, Afterburner Autosport's signing of Megenbier for the 2012 USF2000 season meets those two objectives. With a proven record of success that includes a Skip Barber National race win and the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup title, the 20 year-old is already one of the racers to watch in the Mazda Road to Indy program. Given the experiences learned driving for his family-run squad against better financed multi-car efforts as a rookie, which featured an impressive podium finish at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, the stage is set for the No.17 Afterburner Autosport entry to be among those dueling for a place on the podium each and every weekend. As part of a multi-car effort in the Championship class by Afterburner Autosport, Megenbier will partner Korean rookie Heamin Choi under the team awning this season.

"It is great to have a young talent like Timmy Megenbier racing for Afterburner Autosport," stated team principal Tim Walsh. "He showed last season he has the skill to be a championship contender, and we believe that with the crew and resources we have, he can stand on the top step of the podium in 2012. We can't wait for the action to get underway at Sebring."

"This season I will be looking forward to just driving," commented Megenbier. "Last year we all worked together to do everything and driving was just another task. This year it’s the only task. I have known Brian Tomasi [Team Manager] since I was three years old. It will be an honor to drive for him this season. I believe we have more this year in terms of a real team with top shelf equipment then I have had in the past. The team shop is just 20 minutes from our shop and I’m there often. We continue to progress with Caputo Cheese, Rahal Foods and our new sponsor Powerstop. Please visit my website for a look at Powerstop."  

A native Melrose Park, Ill., Megenbier joins forces Afterburner Autosport having established a reputation for getting the most from every racing opportunity. A former karting standout, he began his pursuit of a career in motorsports via Skip Barber Racing competition, earning one win and two podium finishes in the National series. A transition to sedan racing in 2007 further showcased his skill behind the wheel. Following a pole-winning debut run in the inaugural Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup championship, Megenbier became the man to beat, capturing the championship title with three wins and eight podium finishes. Awarded a place in the first Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup campaign in Germany, he overcame a lack of track and car knowledge to finish fourth in Pro Cup class. With an eye on ultimately reaching the upper echelon of formula car racing in North America...the IZOD IndyCar Series, Megenbier returned to his open-wheel racing roots last season. Competing under the family-run Sick Tea Racing banner, the up-and-comer captured one podium finish and four top-five finishes in what was impressive rookie campaign.

Afterburner Autosport, a two-time SCCA National Championship winner, begins its rookie season quest for wins in the 2012 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship powered by Mazda on March 15-16, when Rounds One and Two take place at Sebring International Raceway as part of the 60th Anniversary Mobil1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Additional information on Afterburner Autosport is available from the team’s website at www.afterburnerautosport.com. For direct contact, please email afterburnerautosport@gmail.com or call 630-251-1709.

For additional Information on Timmy Megenbier visit www.timmymegenbier.com For direct contact info please contact Patrick Burke at Patrick@pmbmotorsposts.com or 815-693-2564.

Keep up to date via Twitter @ABautosport1 and Facebook page at Afterburner-Autosport.

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Afterburner Autosport was formed in 2010 with the sole purpose of leading the way in the USF2000 Championship Powered by Mazda competition. Under the guidance of two-time SCCA Formula Continental National Champion Brian Tomasi and fellow F2000 racer and engineer Tim Walsh, the team has over 20 years of experience in open-wheel competition. The Minnesota, Min.-based squad, having captured two podium finishes in its inaugural pro racing season last year, will make its USF2000 Championship debut in 2012, fielding multiple cars in the top Championship class.